Tropicana prints and block colours this SS08/09

There seems to be a trend this spring/summer 2008/09 to the introduction of block colours and printed fabrics in creating a gorgeous summery feel to any look. Colours such as orange, fuchsia, white and yellows seem to be making their appearance off the shelves thanks to designers such as Missoni, Diane Von Furstenburg, Milly and Mayle, just to name a few.

For this spring/summer, futuristic is out; so you can replace your vinyl textures and eccentric fittings and shades of silver, greys and black for something loose, summery, printed and gorgeously colourful. Ruffles seem to be making a subtle comeback as well, with these elements appearing on the hemlines of maxi-dresses and the bottom edges of blouses. Prints and artwork inspired patterns seem to be quite huge and look just oh-so-fabulous on maxi dresses and even very sweet on the shorter knee length styles. I just love the printed Diane Von Furstenburg maxi dresses which are so fabulously resort-like with gorgeous prints in addictive shades of juicy orange and deep fuchsia to satisfy any summer tastes.

Also on the agenda, it appears that jumpsuits may indeed be making their comeback as well, with floaty printed bohemian or block printed fabrics. Antik batik has an extremely retro one which will look fabulous this summer. This spring/summer is also perfect for bringing out the incredibly affordable printed ‘Genie’ pants (from Tree of life by the way) with would look fabulous with a chic Chloe tank top and a pair of designer Bally wedges and a Missoni headscarf and a vintage clutch bag and a pair of oversized Marc Jacobs sunglasses. It is a look which just makes me want to break into an upbeat and fun song (such as “Holiday” by Madonna, if you were wondering) to celebrate the freshness of this fashion. Add a Pina Colada and you have one pretty awesome relaxed look ahead of you.

With jewellery, keep it neutral with gorgeous plain shades and not too many intricacies. Butterflies, leaves and abstract shapes seem gorgeous in complementing any summery look. Check out Juicy Couture for something fabulously laidback and chic.In terms of footwear, jewelled flat sandals seem to be a fabulous complement to any tropical printed outfit. I adore the Giuseppe Zanotti Rock flat sandals which are just so cute with the colourful jewels in the pretty tones. If you are someone who loves a bit of height, why not trade in a pair of chunky heels for some glamorously chic wedges by Bally? I love the Nymona suede wedges by Bally which are just so effortlessly chic with the brown straps and the tan wedge heel.

I just love the gorgeous colours and prints and patterns which seem to be emerging and thus I can only hope that our weather steadily improves and yet we have not even reached the winter months in Australia yet! Oh, but we can dream…